Nahum 3:4

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

Because of the multitude {H7230} of the whoredoms {H2183} of the wellfavoured {H2896}{H2580} harlot {H2181}, the mistress {H1172} of witchcrafts {H3785}, that selleth {H4376} nations {H1471} through her whoredoms {H2183}, and families {H4940} through her witchcrafts {H3785}.

"Because of the continual whoring of this whore, this alluring mistress of sorcery, who sells nations with her whoring and families with her sorcery;

because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft.

because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well-favored harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

Commentary on Nahum 3:4 (KJV)

Nahum 3:4 delivers a powerful and graphic indictment against Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, portraying it as the epitome of corruption and destructive influence. This verse is part of a broader prophecy detailing God's impending judgment on Nineveh for its cruelty, idolatry, and oppression of other nations.

Context

The book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle primarily focused on the absolute destruction of Nineveh. Unlike Jonah's earlier call to repentance, Nahum's message is one of unyielding doom, reflecting Nineveh's persistent wickedness after a period of superficial repentance. The city, known for its military might, lavish wealth, and brutal conquests, is here personified as a seductive yet destructive force.

This verse specifically describes the reasons for God's wrath: Nineveh's widespread "whoredoms" and "witchcrafts," which have enslaved and exploited other peoples. It paints a picture of a nation that used its allure and cunning to dominate the world stage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Wickedness: The verse underscores God's righteous anger against nations characterized by severe moral depravity and oppression. It highlights the principle that unchecked evil eventually faces divine retribution.
  • Spiritual Harlotry and Deception: The metaphor of the "wellfavoured harlot" speaks to Nineveh's seductive political and spiritual influence. In biblical prophecy, "whoredom" often signifies idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, as well as treacherous political alliances that betray divine principles. Nineveh, though not in covenant with God, is condemned for its spiritual darkness and deceptive practices that lured and then exploited other nations.
  • Exploitation and Oppression: The phrase "selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts" vividly depicts Nineveh's modus operandi. It used its charm and cunning (political alliances, deceptive treaties, perhaps even literal sorcery or dark arts) to conquer and enslave, breaking down entire societies. This reflects the Assyrian Empire's historical reputation for extreme brutality and forced relocation of conquered peoples.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "whoredoms" (Hebrew: zenûnîm) in this context extends beyond literal prostitution. It refers to spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and treacherous political alliances. Nineveh's "whoredoms" were its enticing yet destructive foreign policies and its pervasive idolatrous practices that served its imperialistic ambitions.
  • "Wellfavoured harlot" (Hebrew: zônâ yephath-chēn) emphasizes Nineveh's alluring appearance and reputation for grandeur and power, which masked its true, destructive nature.
  • "Mistress of witchcrafts" (Hebrew: ba‘alath keshaphîm) points to the deceptive and manipulative spiritual practices employed by Nineveh, suggesting sorcery, enchantments, or cunning political schemes that disarmed and entrapped its victims. This aligns with the broader biblical condemnation of such practices as an affront to God and a source of oppression. For a New Testament parallel on how sorcery and economic exploitation can lead to a city's fall, consider Revelation 18:23.

Reflection and Application

Nahum 3:4 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of nations or individuals who use deception, manipulation, and spiritual darkness to gain power and exploit others. It reminds us that:

  • Appearances can be deceiving: What seems beautiful or powerful on the surface may hide deep corruption and destructive intentions.
  • God's justice prevails: No amount of cunning or military might can ultimately escape divine judgment for persistent wickedness and oppression. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in passages like Isaiah 10:5, where Assyria, though an instrument, was also held accountable.
  • The destructive nature of sin: Idolatry, spiritual deception, and the exploitation of others lead to societal decay and eventual downfall.

For believers, this verse reinforces the call to discern truth from deception and to stand for righteousness, knowing that God is a God of justice who will ultimately bring all hidden things to light and repay every deed.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 47:9

    But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

  • Isaiah 47:12

    Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

  • Isaiah 47:13

    Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee.

  • Revelation 18:2

    And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

  • Revelation 18:3

    For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

  • Ezekiel 16:25

    Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.

  • Ezekiel 16:29

    Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.

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